June 18, 2014
Catholic University's Eileen A. Dombo is the new victim assistance coordinator for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Dombo, assistant professor, assistant dean, and chair of the Undergraduate Social Work Program at the National Catholic School of Social Service (NCSSS), will coordinate immediate pastoral care of persons who report having been sexually abused as minors by clergy or other Church personnel. Her appointment began in May.
"I am so pleased that Dr. Dombo has been appointed as the victim assistance coordinator for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA," said William C. Rainford, NCSSS dean and associate professor, "She is a faith-filled Catholic woman who has clinical expertise, knowledge, and experiences in trauma recovery, enabling her to respond to this call to service for the Church. Dr. Dombo is an excellent example of what Catholic social workers do in their professional careers."
Dombo began her career at Catholic University as a part-time professor in 2000. In 2006 she was appointed visiting assistant professor. She has more than 15 years of experience in trauma treatment and services to sexual abuse survivors as a direct service practitioner, supervisor, and clinical director. She has helped, through clinical training, to prepare clinical social workers for the individual, couples, and group treatment with survivors of sexual trauma, and has worked with many organizations to address issues of vicarious trauma and burnout in social workers.
"This is a really great opportunity for me to use my skills and my interests in service of the Church and in service of those who've been victimized," Dombo stated. "In many ways, social work is a calling for me. It's something I feel very passionate about and to be able to match my professional skills and my interests is just such a blessing.
"I hope to send the message that people, the Church, and the archdiocese care, and want to support the vulnerable. If I can help them see that, it might help bring them back to the faith," she said.